how many address does the application letter have

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• Job Application Documents
• Cover Letters

How to Write an Application Letter

Last Updated: May 6, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 171,140 times.

Application letters are typically written to accompany school or job applications. The purpose of the letter is to introduce yourself to the decision committee, and to outline your qualifications in a specific way. It can be the only time other than an interview that you have a chance to really stand out in an application, so it's important to get it right. You can learn what to include in your letter, how to style it, and how to format it to give yourself the best chance.

Application Letter Templates

Writing a Job Application

• A good example would be: "I'm writing to apply for the Chimney Sweep position advertised in Rolling Stone. I think my experience in the heating industry makes me uniquely qualified for this position. Please find my application materials and a brief description of my qualifications below."
• Don't write your name until the signature. It'll be in the header and in the sign-off, so there's no reason to put it in the body of the letter itself.

• Be specific. Who are you? Where do you come from? What's your story? These details are important. HR screeners read hundreds of these.
• Describe your ambitions. Where do you want to go? How will this opportunity help you get there?
• What skills and experiences make you the right fit? Be as specific as possible and avoid vague language. It's better to describe a time you solved a specific problem at your last job than to just write, "I'm a good problem solver at work."

• Tailor it to the business. If you're applying to work at a record store, you need to talk about music. If you're applying to work at a tech company that writes, "Tell us something totally rad about yourself!" it's probably ok to be a little more informal.

• Don't over-promise. Telling someone that you can guarantee that you'll be able to turn around their sales figures in six months or less is a good way to get fired in six months.

• Any kind of job requires this type of research. If you apply to a restaurant, you need to be familiar with the menu and the kind of customers the restaurant attracts. Consider eating there a few times before you apply.
• Don't show you're familiar by criticizing a business and telling them what you can do better. Not the time to offer a harsh criticism of a business plan that you don't really know anything about.

Writing a School Application

• Common prompts include things like, "Outline your qualifications for this position" or "In writing, explain how this position would affect your career goals." Sometimes, the prompt will be as short as, "Tell us something interesting about yourself."
• If there is no prompt, but you still feel the need to introduce your application with a letter, it's usually best to keep it as short as possible. Explain what you're applying for, why you're applying, and thank the contact for their consideration. That's it.

• Often, college prompts will ask you to describe a time you struggled, or a time you overcame some obstacle. Write about something unique, a time that you actually failed and dealt with the consequences.
• The board will get thousands–literally, thousands–of letters about someone's first mission trip, and letters about the time someone's sports team was beaten, then overcame the odds, and won again. Avoid these topics.

• Be specific. If you're writing to a college board, don't say, "I want to go to this college because I need a degree." That's obvious. What do you want to do with it? Why? If you're applying to a business, don't say, "I just need a job." That's obvious. Why this specific job?

• If you're applying to schools, what do you like about the school? What faculty are you interested in? Why this school, instead of another?

Formatting Application Letters

• If you don't get a word-count guideline, just focus on making one or two good points about yourself, and keeping it at that. No need to drone on four several pages.

• Instead of a salutation, write, "Letter of Application" at the top left corner of the page, or put it in the header on the left side at the top.
• If you do have a contact, address it to them, making sure the name is spelled correctly. Then space down and start the body of the letter. [10] X Research source

• Sometimes, it's appropriate to type your name, then print out the letter and sign it in pen. That can be a nice touch.

• Mailing address
• Telephone and/or fax number

Expert Q&A

• Remember to be formal at all times. Do not use abbreviations anywhere. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-write-an-application-letter
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/tone_in_business_writing.html
• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
• ↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/admission-letters/
• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/personal-statements-and-application-letters.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/job_search_letters/cover_letters_1_quick_tips/quick_formatting_tips.html
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/

About This Article

To format an application letter, start by including your name and contact details in the document header. When choosing a greeting, only use one if you know the person's name your writing to. Otherwise, give the document a title, like "Letter of application" at the top of the page. For the body of the letter, aim to write no more than 1 page of single-spaced paragraphs using a standard font. Finally, conclude your letter with a formal greeting like "Sincerely yours." For tips on how to write a job application letter, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Careers & Jobs

How to Address a Cover Letter: From Heading to Date to Salutation + More

We’ll discuss how to address a cover letter with examples, and then we’ll look at specific parts of each cover letter address area in detail..

Writing a cover letter might be one of those things that make you want to bang your head on your keyboard.

Fortunately, though, addressing a cover letter is a piece of cake (we’ll help you with the other bits in a different article).

In this short article, we’ll walk you through how to address a cover letter effectively and easily, with examples, and then we’ll guide you through the specific parts of each cover letter address area in more detail.

Let’s get to it!

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How to Address a Cover Letter

Here’s an example of how to address a cover letter:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2 January 1, 2021 Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2 Dear Jessica:

And there you have it! 

As you can see from the cover letter address sample above, it’s really quite simple. Feel free to copy and paste that into your cover letter opening and tweak to your needs!

Next, we’ll go into detail about each of the various subsections of the cover letter address area.

Related Read : 10+ Cover Letter Tips & Tricks Sure to Score Interviews

Structure of a Cover Letter Address Section

1. cover letter heading (sender’s information).

At the very top of your cover letter, in what’s called the cover letter header, you’ll place your contact details. 

As we showed you above, it’s quite simple:

Your First & Last Name Your Address Line 1 Your Address Line 2

If you want, you can include your phone number or email address, as well.

Cover letters follow a business letter or formal letter format, but, you don’t have to necessarily stick to the styling of the example above. If you have a stylized heading with your name and contact details from your resume contact information section, feel free to use the same heading here!

However, for the remainder of the cover letter, stick as close to the business letter format as possible.

2. The Date

The entirety of addressing a cover letter is quite simple, and that’s true for the date as well.

Here’s how to add a date on a cover letter:

January 31, 2022

Just remember to leave a line break space both above and below the date to keep things looking neat and organized.

Related Read : Career Glossary: 45+ Job Terms, HR Vocab & Employment Words to Know

3. Inside Address (Recipient’s Information)

After the date, it’s time to add the recipient’s information, also known in formal letter writing as the “inside address.”

As we showed you above, here’s how to write the company’s info:

Jessica Schwartz Human Resources Manager Name of Prospective Company Prospective Company Address Line 1 Prospective Company Address Line 2

We start with the name of the person you are addressing the cover letter to, usually the HR manager or hiring supervisor, followed by their official title at the company. Do your best to find someone’s name so it is tailored by researching the company and its LinkedIn profile.

If you still can’t find someone’s name, simply put “Hiring Manager” or “ATTN: Hiring Manager” above the company name and address.

4. Salutation

The last part of the cover letter address section before reaching the body is the salutation. 

And here’s how simple that is:

Dear Jessica:

Easy as that! 

You can tweak that a bit, if you prefer not to use “dear,” for example. You could also choose to use their last name (“Dear Ms. Schwartz”) or their full name. However, in most cases, I think the first name is most powerful (and we’re in the 2020s now, as well).

Finally, use a colon after the name and you’re through!

Related Read : Resume Sections: 10+ Things to Include on a Resume to Land Interviews

Well, that’s it for our guide on how to address a cover letter, and we hope it helps answer all your questions about addressing cover letters right. Got any further questions or feedback about how to format the address on a cover letter? Let us know below in the comments, and thanks for reading!

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thank you for this article, Goodwall! It’s easy, simple, and so useful for me, because I search for a job right now and have to send out many cover letters. Wish me luck 🙂

Thanks for your comment, Anastasia, and for stopping by! I’m so happy if it helped, and I wish you the best of luck on your job search!

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How Many Address In Cover Letter? (Career ADVICE)

Business letters are one of the most important elements in a professional career. If you want to impress your future employer, then you should know how to address a cover letter. In this article, we will show you how to do it properly.

Table of Contents

What Is A Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction. It’s written to introduce yourself to a potential employer, and it’s meant to be read alongside your resume. A cover letter is a great way to highlight skills and experience that aren’t listed on your resume.

A well-written cover letter will:

• Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job
• Highlight how you meet each qualification mentioned in their job listing (if they have one)

Wondering how to structure your cover letter? Our guide on what a cover letter looks like can help you craft a professional and effective introduction to your job application.

How To Address A Cover Letter?

When addressing a cover letter, you should use the name of the person who will be reading your letter. If you don’t know this, do some research and find out who will be reading it. You should also use their title, as well as their correct name and address. For example:

Dear Ms. Jones,

Dear Mr. Smith,

Dear Mrs./Mr./Ms. (no more than 3 titles)

What Is The Most Effective And Professional Way To Address this?

When addressing a corporate entity, use the full name of the company and not just its initials. For example, if you were writing to “Google”:

• Google Inc.
• Alphabet Inc. (parent company of Google)

When addressing a person, it is best practice to include their title in your address line. If you are unsure as to whether or not someone has been promoted within an organization or moved from one firm to another, then use their last name only for now (no titles such as “Mr./Mrs./Ms.”). 

If you do have knowledge that someone is no longer at an organization and has moved onto another job at another firm or even changed careers altogether then it would be appropriate for you to address them by their first name only (no titles such as “Dr./Mr./Ms.”).

What If You Can’t Find The Hiring Manager’s Name?

If you’re having trouble finding the hiring manager’s name (or title), you have a few options:

• Use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it.
• Use the hiring manager’s title if you can’t find their name.

Use the hiring manager’s name if you can’t find their title and they don’t have an official title listed on Glassdoor or LinkedIn. Your best bet is to try calling or emailing them directly to see if they’ve provided any info about themselves online that might help identify them as well!

Struggling to start your cover letter? Our tips on how to start writing a cover letter can help you find the right words and create a compelling opening that will grab the hiring manager’s attention.

What If You’re Writing An Email Cover Letter?

If you’re writing an email cover letter, your document should be short. You shouldn’t use a salutation or subject line, because it’s just more information to write and will look cluttered. 

Don’t include a greeting like “Hi,” “Dear Mr./Ms.,” or even just their name (unless they are known by their first name), because this takes up unnecessary space that could be used for selling yourself instead. And don’t use the word “closure” in your closing paragraph it doesn’t add anything to your letter, so cut it out!

How Do You Address A Woman In A Business Letter?

When addressing a letter to a woman, you should use either “Ms.” or “Mrs.” If you don’t know the woman’s marital status, use Ms. If you don’t know her first name, use Ms. If you don’t know her last name and if she has no other title (such as Dr.), then continue using the prefix Ms., even though it might be awkward to write “Ms. Jane Smith” or “Jane Smith, Ms., Ph.D.

Are you wondering how a resume and cover letter can help you get the job you want? Our guide on how a resume and cover letter help you to get the job can provide valuable insights on how to use these two documents to effectively communicate your skills, experience, and qualifications to prospective employers.

Is Mr. Or Mrs. Used For Married Women When Writing A Business Letter?

It is important to use the correct title when writing to a woman, regardless of whether or not she’s married.

• For a married woman: Mrs., Ms., or Miss
• For an unmarried woman: Miss or Ms.

Does It Matter If The Woman’s Last Name Ends In Man (Like Bowman)?

Yes, it does matter. Ms. Bowman is not correct because she has a last name that ends in a man’s name Bowman. The correct way to address her would be Ms. Bowman or Ms., depending on your preference (or the guidelines for your workplace). You can also use her first name if you prefer: Janie Bowman, for example.

Can You Write “Dear Sir Or Madam” On A Cover Letter Addressed To A Specific Person?

It’s always good to address your cover letter to the person you’re writing it for. But if you don’t know the name of the person who will be reading it, what do you put in your salutation?

You can write “Dear Sir or Madam” on a cover letter addressed to a specific person. This is also acceptable when addressing a stranger or someone whose name is unknown. It’s good practice to include their name anyway, as well as your own: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Wong” would be better than just “dear sir/madam”.

However, if there are multiple people in charge of hiring at your desired company, then write something more like this:

• Dear Hiring Officer(s),
• Dear Recruiting Department Staffer(s).

Are you curious about how cover letters work and what purpose they serve in a job application? Our guide on how do cover letters work can provide insights on how to use them effectively to showcase your qualifications and stand out from other candidates.

Cover Letter Should Be Addressed Professionally, By Using Some Special Tricks, But It Is Not Difficult To Remember.

Use an appropriate greeting

Address all recipients by name, and use their first names if you know them. If you have met the person only once or twice, you may use “Dear” instead of their name.

Use a professional salutation

Stay away from overly familiar greetings like “Hi”, “Hello”, or “Hey”. Instead, use formal ones such as Dear Mr. /Ms./Mrs./Dr./Prof. X; Dear Sir /Madam; Dear Sirs/Madams; Dear Ladies and Gentlemen; Dear Colleagues; To Whom It May Concern; Greetings and best wishes

Use a professional closing

Close with something that implies that you are looking forward to hearing from them soon (or whatever is relevant). Examples include Best Regards, Yours Faithfully or Sincerely Yours, etc.; Yours truly (if the situation calls for it).

Is a cover letter important when applying for a job? The answer is a resounding yes! Our article on how important is a cover letter when applying for a job explains why it’s crucial to include a well-written cover letter in your job application to impress potential employers.

We hope that this article has helped you understand the basics of how to address a cover letter in business. Cover letters are not difficult to write, but they do require some special attention. We’ve provided some tips and examples to help you get started, as well as an overview of what constitutes a proper business letter format. 

If you have any questions about addressing your cover letter or writing it in general, feel free to reach out!

Further Reading

If you want to learn more about cover letters, check out these resources:

The 3 Rules of Addressing Your Cover Letter : This article from The Muse offers practical advice on how to address your cover letter and avoid common mistakes.

How to Address a Cover Letter: Sample & Guide [20+ Examples] : Zety’s comprehensive guide on how to address a cover letter includes examples and tips to help you make a great first impression.

How to Write a Cover Letter : This guide from CV-Library provides step-by-step instructions on how to write a cover letter that will impress employers.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, a summary of your relevant qualifications and experience, and a closing statement that expresses your interest in the job and thanks the employer for their consideration.

How do I address my cover letter?

It’s important to address your cover letter to the hiring manager or recruiter by name, if possible. If you don’t know the name, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter”.

Should I customize my cover letter for each job application?

Yes, it’s important to customize your cover letter for each job application. This allows you to highlight the specific qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job and show the employer that you have a genuine interest in the position.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be no longer than one page, and ideally, it should be between half a page and three-quarters of a page. Keep it concise and focused on your most relevant qualifications and experience.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse the same cover letter for multiple job applications, it’s not recommended. Each job posting is different and requires a customized approach, so it’s important to tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of each job you apply for.

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.

Parts of a Cover Letter: A Detailed Breakdown of 6 Must-Have Sections

3 takeaways

• Learn each part of a cover letter and proper cover letter structure
• Discover how to correctly write each section of your cover letter 
• The best method for generating personalized cover letters in seconds with the Teal AI Resume Builder

When you’re job searching, writing a cover letter can be one of the most discouraging tasks on the list. After all, you’ve already bookmarked the job you want, researched the company, and tailored the perfect resume to match the job description. 

And now, you need to find the time (and energy) to fit all that information into a single-page cover letter.

But by knowing all the parts of a cover letter, along with how to write them, you’ll have a massive head start in the application process. 

What are the parts of a cover letter?

Before you get started creating your cover letter sections, it's important to know the main parts of a professional cover letter. Here they are in order:

• Salutation (or greeting)
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph

Struggling to land interviews with your current resume and cover letter? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder today.

Just like there are resume sections , cover letters have sections, too.  So, first things first: should a cover letter have a header? Absolutely. 

More than just a list of ways to reach you, the header of your cover letter is your first branding opportunity. It should mirror the header of your resume to frame your application as a polished and cohesive package. 

This symmetry isn't just visually appealing; it shows a deliberate and meticulous approach to your job application.

But what should be on a cover letter header?

The key elements of a cover letter header include your:

• Email address
• LinkedIn URL (Optional)
• Phone number

Here’s an example: 

Consider adding a link to your professional online profile, like LinkedIn, especially if you’re applying for a remote job. 

Note: Even if you’re sending an email cover letter, you should attach your letter as a PDF. First, it’s just easier to format. Second, it helps the hiring manager print or share this document with other decision-makers. 

Following the date, you’ll want to add the:

• Name of the hiring manager 
• The company you’re applying to 

Here’s what this looks like: 

2. Salutation

When you’re on the hunt for a new job, first impressions matter. This is what makes the cover letter salutation so important.

This is where writing a personalized cover letter begins and where you demonstrate your interest and effort in connecting with the company on a human level. Directly addressing the hiring manager is highly recommended when you know their name. It signals respect, shows that you've done your homework, and positions you as a candidate who values personal engagement.

Why not just start your cover letter as “To whom it may concern”? 

Because in today's job market, where a lot of applications flood an inbox, a personalized greeting helps you stand out. It sets a tone of attentiveness and immediately tells the hiring manager that you pay attention to detail. 

Even this little gesture can transform a generic cover letter from a one-size-fits-all document into a tailored conversation starter that resonates with the person responsible for filling the role.

How to find the hiring manager's name

Finding the hiring manager’s name may seem difficult, but it’s often simpler than you think. 

Here are some strategies to uncover this key piece of information:

• LinkedIn : The professional network is your first port of call. Search for the company and sift through employee listings, focusing on those with titles like “Hiring Manager,” “Recruitment Officer,” or specific department heads if you’re applying for a specialized position.
• Company website : Sometimes, the information is hidden in plain sight on the company’s ‘Team’ or ‘About Us’ page. Larger companies might list their staff, job titles, and contact information.
• Calling in : A direct approach can be the most effective. Call the company’s front desk or HR department. Be polite, introduce yourself, and explain that you wish to address your cover letter appropriately. Most will be happy to help.
• Networking outreach : Rely on your network. Ask colleagues or mentors if they know who the hiring manager might be for the position you're eyeing. A mutual connection can often provide you with the name you need.
• Social media scan : Companies often post about their team and new hires on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. A quick search might yield the right name.

If you can’t find the hiring manager's name despite your best efforts, opt for a polite and general salutation like “Dear hiring manager” or “Dear hiring team” over the impersonal “To whom it may concern.” 

This retains a level of personalization and respect for the team's collaborative hiring effort. It also sets you apart from the many others who simply wrote: “to whom it may concern.”

Write the elements of a cover letter with Teal's AI

Before you start writing the main parts of your cover letter, consider using Teal instead.

Teal’s cover letter generator pulls from the information you added to a specific resume (also extracting the main keywords and details from the job posting you’re applying to) to align your content. Then, in just a click, you’ll have a great cover letter written before your eyes.

3. Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to captivate the reader's interest and set the stage for your narrative. 

When it comes to your cover letter format , this section should include a succinct introduction of who you are, a brief mention of the position you’re applying for, and a compelling reason why the role aligns perfectly with your skills and career aspirations. 

How to grab your reader’s attention in the opening paragraph

To make your entrance memorable, the opening paragraph must do more than introduce – it must intrigue. Here’s how to ensure it does that:

• Start with a bang : Lead with a strong statement or a striking fact about your career achievements. Alternatively, a concise, bold expression of your enthusiasm for the company can be just as effective.
• Show, don't tell : Use a mini anecdote or a powerful example from your experience that reflects your capabilities and mirrors the values or needs of the company.
• Tailor your tone : Match the tone of your writing to the culture of the company. A startup might appreciate a more casual and innovative opener, while a traditional firm might respect a formal and straightforward approach.
• Add some flair : Add a touch of your personality without overshadowing your professionalism. Make sure it’s a blend that conveys your unique professional identity.
• Research results : Mention something recent about the company that impressed you, showing you’re up-to-date and genuinely interested in what they do.
• Give the why and the what : Clearly articulate why you’re excited about the role and what you bring to the table – this is your unique value proposition.

Example of cover letter content for an opening paragraph

“Imagine a marketing strategy so engaging that it doesn't just capture attention but creates a movement. That's been the hallmark of my approach as a Marketing Manager for the past decade, where I've increased brand engagement by an average of 65% year-over-year. Inspired by [Company Name]'s recent groundbreaking campaign on sustainability—a subject close to my heart since I was just a kid—I am eager to bring my expertise in crafting compelling narratives to the role of Head of Marketing.”

You can find more cover letter samples in these marketing manager cover letter examples .

What makes this a strong opening:

• Engages with storytelling: The opening verb is “Imagine,” which is much more engaging than something more traditional, like “My name is…”
• Quantifiable achievements: It includes a specific, measurable achievement (increasing brand engagement by 65% year-over-year), which adds credibility to the applicant’s claims and showcases a track record of success.
• Personal connection: There’s a personal touch with the mention of a lifelong passion for sustainability, making the applicant’s interest in the company feel genuine and deeply rooted.
• Alignment with company values: The reference to the company’s campaign on sustainability suggests that the applicant has done their research and shares the company’s values, implying a natural cultural fit.
• Focus on contribution: By stating a desire to bring expertise in crafting compelling narratives, the applicant immediately addresses how they can contribute to the company’s success rather than just what they wish to gain from the position.

If you can get all of those qualities to shine through in your cover letter, you’ll be more likely to get the reader over to the body of your cover letter. 

Your cover letter body is the meat of your message. It's where you dive into your professional journey, aligning your skills and experiences with the needs of the job at hand. 

This part should be structured in a clear and compelling manner, usually composed of one to three paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose. 

The first paragraph should connect your past successes to the potential future contributions you'll make to the company. Subsequent paragraphs , like the second or third paragraph , can be used to go further into your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements while also reflecting your knowledge of the company’s goals and challenges.

How to showcase relevant skills and experiences

Here’s how to write a cover letter body that resonates with hiring managers:

• Customize and contextualize : Tailor each example of your experience to mirror the job description. It’s about relevance—show the reader why and how your background prepares you for the specific role.
• Quantify your impact : Use numbers and metrics to give weight to your achievements. Whether it’s increasing sales by a certain percentage or reducing costs through innovative solutions, numbers speak louder than words .
• Problem, action, result (PAR) method : For each skill or experience you share, present the problem you encountered, the action you took, and the result of your efforts. This method illustrates your thought process and problem-solving skills.
• Align with the company's vision : Show that you’ve done your homework by relating your experience to the company's current projects or goals. This demonstrates not just alignment but also initiative and forward-thinking.
• Storytelling with substance : Craft your experiences into a narrative that’s engaging. Your goal is to lead the reader on a journey that showcases growth, impact, and relevance to the role.
• Be concise, be clear : Avoid jargon and overly complex language. The body of your cover letter should be easy to read and understand, ensuring that your points are made without confusion.

Example of what should be in a cover letter body

During my tenure with XYZ Corp, a pioneer in eco-friendly packaging, I spearheaded a transition that faced significant initial resistance both internally and from our customer base. The challenge was formidable: to reframe the public's perception of sustainable packaging from a costly alternative to a savvy, consumer-driven choice. My strategy was to launch an educational campaign that highlighted not just the environmental impact but also the long-term economic benefits. This initiative not only garnered a 120% increase in consumer engagement but also positioned XYZ Corp as a thought leader in the market. In my most recent project, I led a cross-functional team to address a 15% slump in market share due to increased competition. By instituting a thorough competitor analysis and customer feedback loop, we identified key areas where our messaging fell flat. I orchestrated a brand revitalization campaign focused on our core strengths, infused with customer success stories. The result was a 25% market share rebound within the first quarter post-campaign. In each role, I've aligned my actions not only with the company's immediate goals but with a visionary outlook. For instance, anticipating the rise of AI in marketing, I initiated a successful pilot program at XYZ Corp that utilized machine learning to personalize customer interactions, leading to a 30% uptick in customer retention rates.

But remember, not every cover letter will focus on the same information. You’ll need to craft your cover letter according to the specific job you’re applying to. 

While this level of personalization may seem tedious, it’s absolutely necessary. 

5. Closing paragraph

One of the last main parts of a professional cover letter , the closing paragraph, isn’t just a summary but a strategic push to get you into the interview room. This part should reiterate your interest in the position, succinctly summarize why you’re the right fit, and express your enthusiasm about the potential to contribute to the company. 

It's also the place to include a call to action, such as expressing your desire to discuss your application in more detail in a personal interview.

How to end the cover letter on a strong note

• Reaffirm your value : Concisely restate how your skills and experiences align with the job and can benefit the company.
• Personal touch : Express genuine enthusiasm and confidence in your ability to perform the role. Let them feel your eagerness and readiness to take on the challenges it presents.
• Call to action : Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step. You can say you look forward to the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to their team or that you're eager to provide further details on how you can help achieve their goals.

Closing paragraph example in a cover letter

I am excited to contribute to [Company Name]'s innovative marketing efforts. My skill set aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Head of Marketing position. I am eager to apply my expertise in strategic planning and digital engagement to drive impactful campaigns that resonate with your brand's vision, and I look forward to discussing how my experience and insights can support your company's success. Thank you for considering my application, and I am hopeful for the opportunity to discuss collaboration in person.

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out this comprehensive database of 1300+ cover letter examples .

6. Sign-off

A professional sign-off sets the tone for how your cover letter is received. It's the equivalent of the final handshake after a successful meeting—it should convey respect and formality. 

Here's how you can ensure your sign-off strengthens your application:

• Choose the right closing : "Sincerely," "Best regards," and "Kind regards" are safe and professional options. If the company culture is more casual, "Best" or "Warm regards" may be suitable.
• Include your full name : Your sign-off should always include your full name to ensure clarity and formality. If you've established a personal connection with the hiring manager, adding a handwritten signature above your typed name can add a personal touch.
• Professional contact details : Beneath your name, include your professional contact details, such as your phone number and email address, and LinkedIn profile URL to facilitate easy follow-up.

The best way to write a cover letter 

Again, if writing a cover letter is your least favorite part of the job application, you’re not alone. It can be difficult to take all the bullet-point information from a resume and turn that into a single page of compelling and persuasive text. 

From getting the cover letter format just right to writing the actual information, it’s not an easy task. 

That’s why, with a tool like Teal’s cover letter generator , there’s simply no excuse for not having a personalized cover letter with each application. 

Simply build your resume, and with the click of a button, you can have a polished and personalized cover letter in seconds. 

Sign up for Teal today to give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should each section of a cover letter be to maintain the reader's interest, can i include bullet points in the body of my cover letter to highlight my achievements, is it necessary to address the cover letter to a specific person, and what if i can't find a name.

Nathan Thompson

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How to Format a Reference Letter (With Examples)

How to Format a Reference Letter

Tips for writing a reference letter, what to include in the letter, reference letter format example, reference letter template, reference letter examples.

Colleen Tighe / The Balance

A reference letter is used to endorse someone and provide an overview of their skills, ability, knowledge, and character. These letters are often required as part of a job or academic application. 

Since a reference letter is one of the few pieces of an application that isn't directly provided by the candidate, it can carry a lot of weight. Letter readers look to references for insight into a candidate. The template below shows the format of a typical  reference letter .

This reference letter format shows the structure for a typical reference letter. Your letter should provide information on your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the skills they have.

The following format is appropriate for an  employment reference  or as a reference for graduate school. Use this as a guide for writing your own personalized reference letters, making sure all relevant information is included.

You should also  review samples  of reference letters for advice on how to word your reference letter.

When using a format or a sample letter, remember to be flexible. You can add or remove paragraphs to fit the needs of the particular reference letter.

First, when asked to write a reference letter, think carefully before agreeing. Only say yes if you feel you can write a strong reference letter for the candidate.

If you do not feel comfortable writing a letter in support of a person's application to a job or school, you can  politely decline to be a reference . Once you decide to write the letter, make it as specific as possible. 

When writing a reference letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the letter should include information on how the person's skills match the position they are applying for. Ask for a copy of the job posting and the person's resume so you can target your reference letter.

You can also ask the person if there are any particular points they'd like you to cover in the letter.

Similarly, when writing a reference letter for a candidate for graduate school, you should be able to explain why the student is a good fit for that particular program. Ask for some details on the program as well as a copy of the person’s resume or CV so you can target the letter accordingly.

Contact Information

When you are writing a hard copy letter to be mailed, uploaded, or sent as an attachment, include your contact information and the recipient's name at the top of the letter. If you are sending an email reference, include your contact information in your signature.

If you're sending an email reference, list the name of the person you're writing a reference for in the subject line:

Subject: Reference for FirstName LastName

If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Smith, Dear Mr. Jones, etc.). If you are writing a general reference letter, say “ To Whom It May Concern " or simply don't include a salutation.

Paragraph 1

The first paragraph of the reference letter explains your connection to the person you are recommending, including how you know them, how long you have known them, and why you are qualified to write a reference letter to recommend them for employment or graduate school.

Paragraph 2

The second paragraph of the reference letter contains specific information about the person you are recommending, including why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a reference letter. Be sure to use specific examples to speak to their qualifications. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

This section of the reference letter (typically right before the conclusion) contains a brief summary of why you are recommending the person. State that you "recommend without reservation" or "highly recommend" the person or something similar.

The concluding paragraph of the reference letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph. Also include your phone number and email address in the return address section of a hard copy letter or, if you're sending an email, underneath your name in the signature.

See a sample signature for a hard copy letter below:

Writer Name Title

Download the reference letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Reference Letter (Text Version)

Bob Johnson 219 Addison Road Sioux Falls, SD 09069 555-555-5555 bob.johnson@email.com

July 9, 2020

Janice Smith Marketing Director ABS Marketing 10 Miles Road Stanford, NC 11289

Dear Ms. Smith: 

It's my pleasure to recommend Linda Barron for the position of marketing manager at your company. Ms. Barron and I worked together for just over two years when she was a marketing coordinator in my department at XYZ company. 

During her time at XYZ, Ms. Barron was diligent and insightful. She was eager to both learn and implement marketing strategies. Ms. Barron mentioned to me that this prospective role at your company would involve leading initiatives aimed at growing prospect lists. She's remarkably well-suited for that task. At XYZ, with help from our whole team, Ms. Barron organized and led our e-learning campaign, geared toward getting prospects in the door. The campaign was a tremendous success. 

I recommend Ms. Barron without reservations — she'd be a stellar addition to your company. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. You can reach me at this email address or at (555) 555-5555

Sincerely, 

Bob Johnson  (signature hard copy letter)

Bob Johnson

Review reference letter samples for a variety of professional and personal circumstances to use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

Estelle Gallagher

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